The Robinson Center’s 28-month, $68.6 million renovation and expansion has concluded with a grand re-opening ceremony ahead of this weekend's first official event, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s Opus Ball.

More companies are embracing the notion that on-the-job training is good business. Under that banner, members of the central Arkansas construction community are banding together to fill employment gaps in their ranks.

Meticulous preparation will allow the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra to return to the Robinson Center Music Hall this fall financially secure after overcoming what could have been a steep decline in revenue because of an unavoidable venue change.

Those attending the ball will enjoy a cocktail reception in Robinson’s new ballroom, a silent and live auction, as well as dinner and dancing, with music provided by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Big Band. Annual proceeds of the Opus Ball are expected to exceed $475,000.

Whether or not you’re in the business of event planning, Arkansas’ big renovation projects have been almost everyone’s business over the past few years. Take a stroll through downtown Little Rock or a drive through the state’s western region and you’ll find whole cities who hardly go a day without mention of the shiny new venues and all the fun events that accompany them.